Kuwait bows out of 2026 World Cup qualifiers after defeat to Palestine

Kuwait’s national football team exited the 2026 World Cup qualification race following a 2-0 loss to visiting Palestine on Thursday at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in the ninth round of Group B action. The result marked Palestine’s first-ever official win over Kuwait.

The defeat left Kuwait anchored at the bottom of the group with six points, while Palestine moved up to nine points — just one ahead of Oman. The two sides will clash in a decisive final-round encounter on Tuesday to determine who claims fourth place and advances to the intercontinental play-off.

Meanwhile, South Korea and Jordan have already booked their World Cup spots after beating Iraq 2-0 and Oman 3-0, respectively. Iraq will compete in the play-off round.

Kuwait began the match with promise, creating several early scoring chances but failing to convert. Palestine capitalized on defensive errors to break the deadlock in the 34th minute, when Adi Al-Dabbagh took advantage of a miscue between Hassan Hamdan and Fahad Al-Hajri and squared the ball for Tamer Seyam, who slotted it into the near post past goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi.

Before halftime, veteran striker Youssef Nasser was forced off with an injury and replaced by debutant Abdulrahman Al-Rashidi in stoppage time. Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi made further changes at the start of the second half, introducing Ahmed Al-Zanki and Mubarak Al-Fanini for Reda Hani and Rashid Al-Dosari. Defender Fahad Al-Hajri came close with a header, while Hamad Al-Harbi later came on to replace the fatigued Al-Dhafiri.

Kuwait’s best chance came in the 78th minute when Daham found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Rami Hamada, who denied him with a crucial save. Pizzi made his final substitution by sending on Moaz Al-Aseema for Jassim Al-Matar.

Palestine doubled their lead in the 88th minute when substitute Zaid Qanbar was fouled by Al-Zanki inside the box. Following a VAR review, referee Saadullah Gulmuradi awarded a penalty, which Wissam Abu Ali converted.

In stoppage time, Kuwait pushed hard but were denied by Hamada, who stopped Youssef Majed’s effort, and the crossbar, which thwarted Mishari Ghannam’s header. Al-Rashidi also made two key saves to stop Qanbar from adding to Palestine’s lead in the final moments.

With this loss, Kuwait concludes its qualifying journey, while Palestine’s hopes of advancing hang on their upcoming clash with Oman.